Another avenue has opened for Arsenal in their pursuit of signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer.
The 27-year-old has been part of a long-term transfer narrative, with even those at Selhurst Park waiting for the day that Eze leaves.
Steve Parish was shocked that Eze didn’t leave Palace last summer, and now, the Eagles’ chairman and co-owner’s luck could run out.
Eze is in Arsenal’s sights as an option to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attack, but with other names on Andrea Berta’s wishlist, it’s unclear how the Gunners will split their finances.
The England international has a £68m release clause in place at Palace, but there could be a more cost-effective way for Arsenal to land their target.
Eberechi Eze swap deal opportunity for Arsenal
As reported by Rahman Osman of The Sun, Arsenal are open to a swap deal with Palace to sign Eze.
It’s understood that the North Londoners are ‘looking at’ adding a player into negotiations to expand their chances of securing the playmaker’s signature.
Having already spent over £60m on the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and soon-to-be-unveiled Christian Norgaard, Berta will be wary of the Kroenkes’ budget.
A swap deal, for that reason, makes more sense for Arsenal’s finances, particularly as talks with Viktor Gyokeres are advancing, a deal that will take the summer spending over the £100m mark.
Arsenal fans ready to give up Reiss Nelson
A possible swap doesn’t only have to suit Arsenal, but Palace too, who would be watching their star player leave.
Discussing the emerging possibility of a trade, Arsenal fans took it upon themselves to suggest figures in Arteta’s squad that could be included.
An array of players were mentioned, but one name was unanimous in supporters’ opinion, and that was Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson.
“Give them Nelson,” one fan said on X as similar takes flooded in.
“Zinchenko, Lokonga, Fabio, Nelson, Trossard take your pick.”
“Add Martinelli or Reiss Nelson even Lokonga.”
Arsenal Insider understands that Nelson could return to Fulham this summer following an injury-laden loan spell, but a different Premier League move could arise in the form of Palace.
Arsenal fans didn’t stop mentioning Nelson as a player the club should sacrifice to sign Eze.
“Nelson or Vieira would seem most likely candidates if it is true or maybe Nwaneri on loan for a season?”
Other fans even mentioned Ethan Nwaneri in conversation, which was a real shock.
“Nwaneri on loan + Nelson,” another added.
The statement, “Give them Nelson,” was repeated, as the Englishman’s name was listed alongside other fringe players.
“Nelson, Vieira, Zyn [Zinchenko] Jesus, Pick whoever you want.”
Nelson is a smart choice to possibly include in negotiations, as not only would the move suit the player’s development, but also Arsenal, who could lower Eze’s price by offering an academy graduate with two years remaining on his contract.
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